2025 Honorees

Rylee King

Finance

Rylee King is navigating higher education without a family blueprint. She's a first-generation college student. And pure determination is fueling her academic journey.

She spent her high school years hyper-focused on a career in the medical field. The high-achiever entered USF with enough credits to be a “senior” even though she is only in her second year.

At USF, she discovered her passion for business and real estate and plans to make it into a career.

Joining the USF Real Estate Society was a pivotal step. After one semester as a member, King serves as a marketing associate on the executive board. She helps promote events and connect students, like herself, with industry professionals. Outside of the classroom, she is pursuing her real estate license and direct experience in residential real estate.

Mentors praised her for her ability to balance deep curiosity, hard work, and intellect.

As a member of the Judy Genshaft Honors College, King studied abroad in Germany and Poland this past summer. She wants to expand her global perspective even more this summer. She has two study abroad trips planned — a cultural trip to Japan and a business-oriented one to France.

Closer to home, she works part-time as a sale associate at Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming.

She has maintained a 4.0 GPA and been on the Dean’s List each college semester. She is building her future from the bottom up and considers herself her best investment.